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Poison Information

The Texas Poison Center Network is made up of six regional Poison Centers and each one has a full-time education program dedicated to reducing the incidence of unintentional poisonings and to increase awareness of the Poison Center's services.

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The Network provides a 24-hour, 365 days a year, emergency telephone number resource for all Texas citizens. If you need assistance, simply dial 1-800-222-1222 for access to a 24-hour toxicology referral service staffed by specially trained physicians, pharmacists, and nurses.

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Updates

How Should I Get Rid Of My Old Medicines?

In the past, Poison Centers have recommended just flushing those old unwanted or expired drugs down the toilet or putting them down the sink. These recommendations were made specifically to prevent accidental ingestion and poisoning of children and pets. Studies over the past several years though have shown this might not be such a good idea. Measurable amounts of some drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, cardiac medications and others are showing up in our nation’s waterways. Water treatment plants are unable to remove these compounds before they reach the environment. Throwing medications away with the trash may cause less pollution, but there is that risk that other people or animals may get hold of it. Privacy may also be a concern if containers have labels with names and other personal information.

The following recommendations may take more time and effort from caregivers than simple flushing, but they will prevent accidental poisonings as well as lessen the environmental impact of these drugs on the environment.

Where available, take expired or unwanted medications to pharmacy or public health sponsored medication disposal sites.

If a medication disposal program is not available in your area, the unwanted or expired medicine may be thrown away in the trash by following these steps:

Liquids should be poured over paper towels, kitty litter, or coffee grounds and tightly wrapped in sealable or watertight containers or bags.

Solids (pills, capsules, tablets) should be placed into a sealable or water tight container or bag and add a small amount of water to at least partly dissolve them. You might want to add an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter so that they are less likely to be eaten.

Place the container inside a package such as a box that doesn’t show what’s inside.

Put the medication in the trash as close to pick up time as possible-do not place in recycling bins.

Note: The FDA advises the following drugs be flushed down the toilet and not thrown in the trash:

The information provided in this website is offered for general informational and educational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute medical advice. While we try to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website.
Texas Poison Center Network